I slip on a plain, white tee and like I often do, I talk to my dog. “You like hockey, don’t ya, boy?” Bonkers lifts his head, his ears perked up. “C’mon.” On the way to the kitchen to look for something for supper, I say, “The season starts soon.” Bonkers barks and wags his tail. Okay, maybe I am a little crazy. I’m technically having a conversation with my dog, and he’s responding.
Nothing is standing out that looks delicious enough for what I want to eat. I can’t put my finger on whatever it is though. Looks like a trip to the grocery store is in order. Bonkers is out of treats and almost out of food anyway. Maybe something will catch my eye for dinner while I’m there.
“Let’s go for a ride, Bonkers.”
He loves to ride every chance he gets, and it helps that he’ll just relax in the car, instead of barking at everyone. When I back out of my driveway, I can’t help but notice that no one is home next door, and Mick still hasn’t responded. In the words of Allison, I’ll take that as a no.
Chapter Two
Brody
I’m ready to start ripping some heads off. None of the team is acting like this is a serious practice.
“HEY!” I yell at them. “Listen up, I’m not going to lose the Cup again. If you have a problem with that, I’m sure there is room on the AHL roster for you.” You could hear a pin drop in the practice rink, even the coaches didn’t say anything to me. “Let’s get some drills going.” Everyone gets in line and starts running drills.
“Hey, Meatball, you don’t have to yell so much. The rookies are about to cry.” Kris, my lead defenseman, skates over to me.
“If you don’t stop calling me ‘meatball’, I going to lock you in the equipment closet. I’m not a rookie anymore, and I’m your captain.”
Kris just laughs at me. “Well, you are one of the youngest captains ever. Therefore, I have the right to call you my Swedish Meatball.”
I shake my head at him. “I was the youngest captain five seasons ago. I’m twenty-seven now and about to kick your ass.”
“All kidding aside, what’s your deal? I mean, I’m still pissed about losing the Cup, but you seem to be more bitchy.”
I look out on the ice and see everyone skating. “I’m just tired. Moving into the new house wore me out.”
“Didn’t you hire movers?”
“Yeah, but it’s still stressful. I have to unpack everything, and I think I have a crazy neighbor.”
“Oh do tell.”
I go on to tell him about this girl and her dog, Bonkers. When I first saw her, I thought she was pretty. She wasn’t stick thin, having some great curves instead. Her dark hair set off her dark eyes. Then she went all crazy-fan on me. Of course, it’s my luck to move next door to a stalker. Plus, who names their dog, Bonkers?
“Well, that’s interesting. So, what are you going to do?”
I scoff. “Avoid her.” Then I skate off and practice.
~
I pull into my driveway, and I’m so thankful because my muscles are sore. I open the trunk of my car to get my equipment bag when I hear the car next door pull in. Great, my crazy-stalker-fan is home. My first thought is I will need to look into darker curtains.
Just then, I see the dog, Bonkers, running to me. Sad to say, I like the dog. It’s nice to come home to someone who loves you unconditionally.
“Bonkers!” my neighbor yells and comes running to the dog and me. “I’m so sorry.”
I bend down and pick up Bonkers. I smile when he licks my face. “It’s okay. I don’t mind the dog.”
“Listen, I’m really sorry about being a crazy person earlier. I swear I’m usually more composed than that.” She gives me a sad smile. I notice her cheeks redden slightly.
“It’s fine, um…” I can’t believe I forgot her name already.
“Selene.”
“Forgive me. I’m not very good with names. Of course,” I look at the dog, “Bonkers is a name I can’t forget anytime soon.”
“Yeah, that’s the truth.” She giggles. “Well, it looks like you’re just getting home from evening practice. So, we’ll get out of your hair.”